New Testament — Vocabulary
The Bible
King James Version
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
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baptismbaptismbaptized:"spiritually renewed" in a Christian ceremony
She was baptized at the same church as her grandmother.more
Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize.
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3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.†99 more
baptismbaptized:"spiritually renewed" in a Christian ceremony  OR  initiated or purified by a challenging experience
Show context notes The suffix "-ize" converts a word to a verb. This is the same pattern you see in words like apologize, theorize, and dramatize.
Show general definition a Christian ceremony signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth

or:

a challenging experience that initiates or purifies
Show editor's word notes Most churches baptize infants, but some require an adult to request baptism, and a few (such as the Quakers) require no baptism at all.

Typically, water is used as part of the ceremony, such as sprinkling a little water on a baby's head; though some churches use complete submersion in water.
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repentto feel regret for having done wrong and to firmly decide to be a better person in the future
Prisoners who repent are more likely to be released on parole.more
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3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.†65 more
to express or feel regret for having done wrong
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synagoguesynagoguesynagogues:Jewish houses of worship
They were arrested for planning to bomb a series of synagogues.more
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12:9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered.†67 more
a place of worship for a people of the Jewish faith
Show general definition a place of worship for a people of the Jewish faith
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beseechbeseechbeseeches:begs
She beseeches her students to think about their future.more
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8:31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.†65 more
beseechbesought:asked strongly or begged for something
Show general definition to ask strongly or beg for something
Show editor's word notes Beseech is common in classic literature. Though its usage has doubled in recent decades, it remains a rare word in modern writing.

Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice):

Beseech is similar to beg or entreat. Beg implies the request for a personal favor, while entreat implies an attempt to overcome resistance.
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doctrineprinciple
She argues that the action is protected under the separation-of-powers doctrine that is fundamental to the US Constitution.more
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15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.†49 more
doctrinedoctrines:a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some …
Show general definition a belief (or system of beliefs or principles) accepted as authoritative by some group
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perishbe destroyed or cease to exist
...government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.Abraham Lincoln  —  Gettysburg Addressmore
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8:25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.†39 more
die, be destroyed, or cease to exist
Show general definition to die -- especially in an unnatural way

or:

to be destroyed or cease to exist
Show editor's word notes You may encounter an informal expression, "Perish the thought."  It means that the speaker hopes the thought will cease to exist and the thing it represents will never happen.
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persecutionvery bad and unfair treatment
Everyone knows about the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis.more
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5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.†44 more
persecutionpersecuted:treated very badly and unfairly
Show general definition very bad and unfair treatment of others -- often because of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political beliefs
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wrathextreme anger
She could hardly contain her wrath when she learned he had betrayed her.more
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3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?†47 more
Show general definition extreme anger or angry punishment
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abundantpresent in great quantity
Farmers in the region enjoy good soil, moderate temperatures, and an abundant supply of water.more
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for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.†34 more
abundantabundance:large amount or quantity
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parablea short story told to teach a moral lesson
Many people have heard the parable of The Prodigal Son.more
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13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.†46 more
Show general definition a short story told to teach a moral lesson -- especially those told by Jesus in the New Testament
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heedheedheedlessness:pay close attention to
Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more
Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness.
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6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.†34 more
pay close attention to; or do what is suggested
Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
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diligentcareful and hardworking
She's the kind of diligent worker we want to hire.more
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2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.†23 more
diligentdiligently:with hard work and care
Show general definition for diligent (as in: she is diligent) working carefully and steadily with effort and attention to detail
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afflictafflictafflicted:made to suffer
The region was afflicted by a long drought that destroyed most crops.more
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24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.†30 more
afflictafflicted:suffering; or made to suffer
Show general definition to cause pain, suffering, or trouble -- especially something long-lasting or hard to endure
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testimonythe statement of a witness at a trial
Her emotional testimony moved the jury.more
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8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.†31 more
something that serves as evidence -- especially a statement at a trial or hearing
Show general definition something that serves as evidence -- especially a statement at a trial or hearing
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iniquityimmorality
That was when I realized I had to climb up from the depths of iniquity.more
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7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.†20 more
immorality; OR  an immoral act
Show general definition immorality; or an immoral act
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edifyedifyedifies:teaches or instructs
She edifies and inspires supporters everywhere she speaks.more
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15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.†16 more
edifyedification:instruction
Show general definition to instruct -- morally or intellectually
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recompensecompensation for loss
As recompense for the damage caused by the storm, the insurance company paid the family a large sum of money.more
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14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14:14 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.†12 more
recompenserecompensed:compensated for a loss; or paid a reward
Show general definition compensation for loss; or payment or reward
Show editor's word notes Recompense is seldom used in modern literature.
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carnalsexual
The novel explored the contrast between spiritual love and carnal desire.more
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8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.†11 more
carnalcarnally:sexual, or related to the body or physical desire
Show general definition sexual, or related to the body or physical desire (in contrast to spiritual desires or higher ideals)
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forbearancetolerance
She won the children over with patience and forbearance.more
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2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?†8 more
refraining (holding back) from acting  OR  patience, tolerance, or self-control
Show general definition patient tolerance or self-control; or holding back from taking action or enforcing a right
Show editor's word notes Today, the word, forbearance, is most commonly seen in the field of law to indicate that a legal right, claim or privilege is not being enforced.
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forthwithimmediately
The judge ordered her release "forthwith."more
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26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.†8 more
Show general definition immediately -- (most typically seen in legal documents, formal use, or classic literature)